Port Vale chief executive Colin Garlick says tonight's game against Exeter City was called off early to be fair to the Grecians.

A pitch inspection at 10.30am ruled that the Vale Park surface was unplayable, saving the Grecians a long midweek trip that would ultimately have been for nothing.

Garlick admitted there was disappointment over the decision but that common sense had to prevail.

He said to the Stoke Sentinel : “It is really disappointing. A lot of it was really about Exeter and the fact they were travelling such a distance. We knew they were leaving at 11am and it was a courtesy to them to have a look at it.

“We are aware that the forecast is for more rain; we had snow on there yesterday but we thought that was going to be okay.

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“The referee has been in, a national list referee and has had a look at it. He was concerned about a number of areas on the pitch. The pitch is usually quite good, as we know it can be heavy at times, but you know you are going to get that in this country.

“But there were a couple of areas there. And then of course we have a forecast that says rain throughout the day. So, while you can work on it, you are still going to get more weather as we go on it through the day.

“The referee is right. It has to be the players' safety , that was his concern.

“It’s a waterlogged pitch and areas that are particularly concerning for him with players’ safety. When you have areas like that when you are running, one minute you are on firmer ground and then another you are slipping, then it becomes dangerous to the players and can be farcical.

“We were really hopeful of getting the game on but common sense is having to prevail.”